The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is a state government agency responsible for protecting Pennsylvania's environmental and natural resources. Employees perform environmental protection work or carry out support services in the following areas: waste, air, radiation protection, dam safety, watershed management, water facility regulation, water planning, abandoned mine reclamation, mine safety, mine inspection, oil and gas regulation, energy and community revitalization. Most DEP careers are specialized and technical in nature, and therefore require bachelor's degrees or advanced degrees to qualify.
Prospective, current and former Commonwealth employees can view employment opportunities by visiting www.employment.pa.gov, clicking on “Open Jobs”, creating a NeoGov user profile, and applying for the positions that they are interested in. Certain job titles require candidates to visit a Civil Service Commission testing center to take a written, multiple choice exam. But most require the applicant to complete an experience and training supplement instead, which gauges their experience, education and training.
Non-Commonwealth employees can review the frequently asked questions below and click on the "Employment Topics" for guidance on the DEP hiring process.
What Major Must I Possess to Qualify for DEP Employment?
As mentioned above, most DEP careers are specialized and technical in nature, and therefore require bachelor's degrees or advanced degrees to qualify. Those interested in careers performing environmental protection work should possess majors such as:
- Agronomy
- Air Pollution Control Engineering
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Environmental/Natural Science
- Environmental Resource Management
- Geology
- Mechanical Engineering
- Microbiology
- Mining Engineering
- Nuclear Engineering
- Physics
- Soils Science
This list is not all-inclusive. In addition, individuals who possess bachelor's degrees in majors in other fields may qualify for careers in supporting functions, such as human resources, information technology, policy, legislative affairs, and communications.
What Entry-Level Positions May Be Available?
- Air Quality Engineering Trainee
- Air Quality Engineering Specialist
- Aquatic Biologist
- Bituminous Underground Mine Inspector
- Bituminous Underground Mine Electrical Inspector
- Chemist
- Chemistry Technician
- Civil Engineer Trainee
- Civil Engineer General
- Civil Engineer Hydraulic
- Clerical Assistant 2
- Conservation District Field Representative
- Energy Program Specialist
- Environmental Engineering Trainee
- Environmental Engineering Specialist
- Environmental Trainee
- Geoscience Trainee
- Microbiologist
- Mine Safety Emergency Response and Training Specialist
- Mining Engineering Trainee
- Nuclear Safety Specialist
- Oil and Gas Inspector
- Radiation Health Physicist
- Soils Scientist
This list is not all-inclusive and does not imply that we currently have vacant positions in all job titles listed. For up-to-date information on which job titles are available for testing, visit www.employment.pa.gov and click on “Open Jobs" to see current vacancies being filled. Each posting will have instructions on how to apply.
Where is DEP Located?
DEP is headquartered in Harrisburg, PA and has regional, district and mining offices located throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (Map of DEP Office Locations).
I Need More Information. Who Should I Contact for Assistance?
Please call the Department of Environmental Protection HR Office at 717-783-6220 for general assistance on employment opportunities. You may also email us at DEPJobs@pa.gov.
Disclaimer
References on the DEP website to engineers, geologists and/or surveyors reflect civil service job titles and do not imply professional licensure. Professional licenses may be indicated on an individual level with PE (professional engineer), PG (professional geologist) or PLS (professional land surveyor) following an employee's name.